Nine Running Jackets for the Rain

New jackets that shine under gloomy skies.

Not all rainstorms are created equal. Thankfully, neither are all rain jackets. That lightweight shell you'd wear on a drizzly day won't stand up to howling wind and driving rain. And you'd quickly overheat in a sturdier jacket on a warm, misty day. To test which of the newest jackets work best in what type of storm–a spring shower or a downpour–we recruited 50 runners in notoriously rainy Portland, Oregon, to test a range of running jackets available now. The following jackets were their favorites; they combine lightweight, breathable materials, and runner-friendly designs that stand out when it's needed most.

Top CoatThe Brooks L.S.D. Lite Jacket II ($75) earned top marks from our testers, who awarded it more than four stars (out of five) for breathability, performance, and fit. "It's amazing that something so lightweight (4.3 ounces) can be so water-resistant," said one runner. Rain rolls right off the surface of the windproof polyester fabric because of its DWR (durable water repellency) finish. Elastic around the wrists helps keep water out, and vents in the back allow heat to escape. If the drizzle stops, you can zip the jacket into its own pocket and clip it to your shorts. Testers' only real complaint was about its ill-fitting hood; thankfully, you can roll it down and pack it right into the collar. brooksrunning.com

Race ReadyThe men's-only Stoic Wraith Jacket ($69) packs a lot of punch into a 2.5-ounce, see-through package. It kept one tester dry during a soggy Seattle Marathon. "It proved invaluable toward the end of that very wet, windy race," he said. The jacket packs into its own small pocket when not in use. The new, four-ounce women's version is called the Luminous jacket. backcountry.com/stoic

Soft ShellThe silky smooth, wind- and water-resistant fabric used on the Asics Spry Jacket ($70) is the lightest material Asics uses on any of its jackets. It definitely won over one tester, who said "the material moved freely, and it was very comfortable to run in." A light mesh liner helps prevent wet fabric from sticking to you, and a small arm pocket is valuable for stashing IDs and keys. While it holds up well in a light rain, moisture leaks in during heavier storms, and its slightly loose sleeves could mean wet forearms for some. asicsamerica.com

Drizzlin' DotsThe dotted pattern of the Nike Cyclone Vapor Jacket ($115) serves as more than a fashion statement; the raised surface of the fabric prevents clinging and helps move moisture away from your skin. "It got wet in a steady rain, but the material remained comfortable, even when damp," said one tester. Elastic wrists and an adjustable hood cinch in tight to keep water out. When the rain tapers off, the jacket can be packed into its own back pocket. nikerunning.com

Chic in ShowersLadies loved the Moving Comfort Commitment Jacket ($70), featuring a slim fit tailored to a woman's body shape. Looks aside, how did it perform? "This jacket did not disappoint. It was functional and kept both the wind and rain out," said one tester. The jacket features a mesh vent on the back, a lightweight liner to keep fabric off your skin, and elastic at the wrists for extra protection. movingcomfort.com

Storm ShieldHarsher conditions call for sturdier–and costlier–construction to keep the wind and rain outside where they belong. The Arcteryx Visio FL Jacket ($299) has a Gore-Tex Active Shell, featuring a waterproof/breathable membrane made up of pores smaller than a drop of water, yet bigger than a molecule of moisture vapor. This means water can't get in, but sweat can escape. The fully seam-sealed jacket includes Velcro at the wrists to help keep water from seeping in. As with most waterproof gear, the biggest complaint was about breathability, but even that was better than expected sans-vents. arcteryx.com

Style PointsYou don't need to feel constricted on wet-weather runs. The Pearl Izumi Fly Barrier WxB Jacket ($170) uses two different waterproof fabrics–a stretchy one with technology built in and a treated soft shell–to enhance movement without sacrificing coverage. "The material doesn't have that trash-bag feel that most waterproof jackets have," said one tester. Its seams are fully sealed and taped, and it has a stay-put hood. pearlizumi.com

Under CoverThe Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket ($150) is made with a Pertex Shield, which repels water but allows the garment to breathe. "I ran in light, steady rain, and in fairly hard rain; this jacket kept me dry throughout both," said one tester. The jacket is fully seam-taped with a tester-approved adjustable hood that stays in place and has a stiff bill to shield your face from raindrops. The hood, wrists, and waist all cinch in to keep water out, and the surprisingly thin jacket moves well with you as you run. outdoorresearch.com

Bright IdeaOn colder days, reach for the Craft Performance Run Weather Jacket ($150), which is available in a bright yellow-green the company calls "Amino." This jacket is bulkier than others on these pages, but it "held up remarkably well in heavy rain," according to one tester. Made with a waterproof fabric, the jacket is not fully seam-sealed, but its zippers are seam-taped. Adjustable wrists prevent water from seeping in, and an airy mesh liner helps keep moisture away from your skin where you need it most. craftsports.us